Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, I am merely using them for my enjoyment, and I am making no monies!

Rating: This chapter, I’d rate a PG, but the next…

Why I write about Sumano: I was tired of seeing Susan alone, and I’m very tired of seeing Romano alone. I thought, why not put them together and see what happens? I’ve got a 79-page manuscript of Sumano as we speak. I’m a Carby fan, but not of writing it, and that seems to be the favorite among ER Fan/Fic writers these days. I’m a rebel and always have been, so please enjoy my version of Sumano!

Rocket had his fitting for his prosthetic arm three weeks ago. He had gone through the agonizing physical therapy surprisingly quick. Part of his treatment required him to be admitted to the hospital, but he was resolved to NOT be admitted, he only agreed to 8 agonizing hours a day in the hospital on an outpatient basis, and that was just fine with him. Susan had gladly taken over the other eight hours of it, so he’d be home.

His arm was very state of the art, he controlled the movements with his brain just like other prosthetics, but this one looked about as real as a prosthetic arm could look. The skin tone matched Robert’s perfectly, every freckle, right down to the tiny red hairs, it looked nearly like his other arm.

He thought that it was a small feat that he was at the point in his therapy that he could grip a pen and sign his name legibly. But Rocket was right handed, and this was his left arm, Susan would always kid him that his “fake” arm wrote more legibly than his real arm.

Obviously, he didn’t have any feeling in it, but it looked real and it acted real, and that’s all Rocket needed to know. When Lizzie first saw it, and Robert’s new and improved attitude of his new arm and his new resolve on life, all she could say was how proud of him she was of his decision and how glad she was that he was out of his depressive state.

Susan and Lizzie had gotten a chance to workout their differences when Rocket invited she and Ella to an informal outdoor luncheon at he and Susan‘s place. He reminded Lizzie to bring she and Ella’s swimsuits, because there would be swimming, if she wanted.

Robert had made the most incredible barbequed chick and ribs that Susan had ever tasted. Susan had made potato and macaroni salad, and homemade baked beans. Robert loved Susan’s cooking, and even though he and she had been working out nearly everyday on his Bow Flex, he could swear he was getting a belly from Susan’s cooking.

Susan had finally accepted Lizzie and Romano’s friendship and Lizzie had finally accepted that Susan had truly cared for Robert. Watching them together, Lizzie’s feelings were bittersweet: She recalled Mark and she acting nearly the same way towards each other early in their courtship. Still, she couldn’t help but feel happy- genuinely happy for her two old friends. Lizzie had decided that Susan was good for Robert, she made him laugh, made him joke, but most of all, she seemed to have melted his once so cold heart. For that, she was truly grateful and very happy.

While she and Ella sat and watched Susan and Robert playfully chase each other around the yard with the garden hose, seeing a real smile on Robert’s face, and then each of them collapsing into each other’s arms, laughing hysterically as they rolled in the grass embraced in a longing kiss, Lizzie was really happy for her two friends.

Susan and Lizzie had finally gotten a chance to talk alone, while Robert had scooped up Ella and started to wade in the pool with her, she giggling with delight. He had self-proclaimed himself as “Uncle Robbie” to Ella and Susan was “Aunt Suz.” Susan was especially grateful for that, not having heard from Chloe or Suzie in over three months now.

When Susan had told Lizzie the story about Chloe and Suzy, Lizzie instinctively reached out her hand a crossed the table to a now crying Susan.

“I’m so sorry Susan, for you to have gone through all of this, so many times.” Mark had mentioned to me how close you had grown to your niece, Suzy.

Oh Lizzie, if I may call you that, I mean, I’m so used to hearing Robbie call you Lizzie….

Elizabeth sat for a second, staring at Susan’s face for some sort of honesty. Oh, she could tell that Susan was being genuine in talking about her feelings towards Robert, but just to hear her call him “Robbie” it just happened to sting for a minute.

“Of course Susan, I’ve become rather accustomed to hearing Robert call me that, and now that you two are “one” so to speak, you may call me Lizzie as well.” She laughed, a real genuine laugh. Secretly though, in mind, hearing “Robbie” instead of Rocket or Robert, or even Romano, coming from Susan’s mouth, well, it would just have to be something for Elizabeth to get used to hearing. Obviously Susan calling Robert, “Robbie” was some sort of “pet-name” and Elizabeth had to prepare herself to be hearing that for a long time to come, or at least until Susan and Robert had broken up, anyways.

Still, Elizabeth couldn’t help but go back in her memory of she and Mark. He had decided to call her his, “Little British Butterfly” when they were alone together, but never in public, still, she managed a smile for Susan’s sake.

Susan suddenly felt the desire to apologize to Lizzie for the words that she had said to her WAY before she and Rocket really had anything going with each other.

“Elizabeth” she started, “Please know that this is extremely uncomfortable for me to even bring this up.” Susan said.

Elizabeth mistook what she had said, thinking that it might be something regarding Mark and braced herself mentally. If truth be told, even a year after Mark had died, Elizabeth was still so sad, yet desperately trying to act numb to any word ever spoken about Mark. She had learned to put on the brave face, the fake smile that she had perfected ever since Mark’s funeral.

When Susan began to speak and Elizabeth had realized that what she was going to say had nothing to do with Mark, she loosened up her fake smile.

Susan sat in silence for a few seconds, looking down at the grass in the yard, digging her toes into the coolness of it. Lizzie could sense that Susan was grasping for words, “It’s ok Susan, “ Lizzie said. “Go on, it’s ok.”

Susan began, keeping her eyes on Robert and Ella, “To make a long, sad, pathetic story short, the most important thing is that I’d like to say, since we have this time together…” She trailed off, having caught a glimpse of Rocket with Ella, both of them laughing hysterically together. Susan seized the moment, “You know Elizabeth, he’s gonna make a great dad, don’t you think?” Susan said, not even looking at Elizabeth, but focusing her gaze on the man that she, by now knew, would be the father of their now, 9-week-old baby.

Susan had finally realized, after missing her period, the nausea, the dizziness and the EPT test, that she was, indeed, carrying Rocket and she’s baby. Rocket didn’t know it yet, after the horrendous past that he had, his wife and newborn son being murdered so long ago, Susan didn’t know how to tell him. She didn’t know if he’d be happy or sad, it was her secret for now. She’d tell him soon enough.

Abby had tried to convince her to tell Romano as soon as possible, it was the sonogram that Abby had performed on Susan that told her exactly how far along Susan was. She told Susan to not wait too long, soon she would be showing, and then Romano may be mad at Susan for not telling him sooner.

“I’m sorry Elizabeth, I guess I kinda got off track there for a second.” Susan said, as she smiled. “What I wanted to say was that I’m sorry. I’m sorry for every word that I said to you regarding Rocket. Elizabeth, I have to admit, I was jealous, jealous of how close you two had become and how close that I assumed that you were.” Susan said, now freely. “I haven’t told anyone this, not even Abby, but I have wanted to be with Rocket for a long time, weeks before I even gathered up enough courage to even ask him out!” “And as far as me confronting you the way that I did, all I can say in my defense is that I was pure and simple jealous, jealous of the friendship and jealous because I thought that he wanted you.” Susan said, almost as if she were rubbing it in Elizabeth’s face that Susan had Rocket now, not Elizabeth, and yet she found Susan’s eyes welling up with tears.

Elizabeth reached over and placed her hand on Susan’s. “Susan, are you alright? I’ve never known you to be so emotional…” Elizabeth said, not really sure if Susan was feeling proud of herself, or deeply sorry for what she had really said to her. “If it makes any difference at all, I forgive you for what you said to me, although it was a bit harsh. Now I understand why you acted the way that you did with me. I can see how much you have impacted Robert and his behavior, dare I assume that he has changed you as well?” Elizabeth asked honestly.

Immediately, Susan’s face lit up, “Oh God, Elizabeth! Yes!” Susan said, now her smile was fully beaming, showing her beautiful smile as she glanced over at Rocket. Not even looking at Elizabeth Susan began, “You know, I used to think that I was in love, several miserable times in fact, but now, I know that I am.” Susan said proudly, still not looking at Elizabeth, still just watching Rocket. “He gave me a purpose in life Elizabeth, I mean, I know I’m a doctor and that gives me a professional purpose, to save lives and treat the sick.” “But Robbie, he gives me a purpose all his own, he gives me a purpose to please him, to make every day that we’re together enjoyable, Lizzie, he totally completes me, he makes me feel whole.”

Elizabeth was slightly stunned at Susan’s candor; she sat across from Susan and gave her a reassuring smile. “Wow! I really had no idea you two were so close.” was all that Elizabeth could say, as she turned to see if Ella was still having a fun time with Robert. Honestly, she couldn’t tell who was having more fun, Robert or Ella. She had to admit though; it was nice to see Robert as happy as he was.

Before the amputation, Elizabeth was genuinely concerned for him and anyone who came in contact with him. He had always been so bitter, so angry. She’d worried that he’d have a heart attack, a stroke, or worse yet, kill himself or kill someone else, he was so angry at the world. He seemed so sad and depressed, at the thought of his future, his career, without his left arm. The thought of never again performing the life-saving surgeries on the patients that so desperately needed his expertise’. He was truly, in Elizabeth’s eyes, a dreadful man.

But this man that she was watching now, smiling ear to ear, the look on his face at playing with Ella was that of pure, real joy. Even with one arm, he was happy and seemed to have a happy outlook on life.

“I know what you’re thinking, Elizabeth.” Susan said, as if she could read Elizabeth’s mind. “I know it’s sudden, I mean, we’ve only been together a little over three months now, I know it must seem sudden to you that we feel this way towards each other.”

“No really, I understand, I fell for Mark quite quickly myself.” Elizabeth said, trying to assure Susan that she thinking that Susan and Robert’s relationship was sudden was incorrect. But Elizabeth didn’t know Susan that well, and with an unexpected biting tone, she continued: “Don’t you dare hurt him, Susan. He simply couldn’t handle it, not now, not after all he’s been through this year.”

“Excuse me, Elizabeth? Did I just hear you right?” Susan asked, now putting her sunglasses on.

“You heard me right Susan, you say that he makes you happy, that you make him happy, but you know Robert and his temper.” Elizabeth said, almost rubbing it in to Susan, as if she had some sort of “inside scoop” on Romano. “He could turn on you, how would you handle that?” Elizabeth asked finally.

Susan thought for a second, why was Elizabeth saying these things to her? Jealousy. Was she threatening me? It sounded like she was threatening me.

With a confident grin, Susan said, “Oh yeah, I know Robbie, very very intimately, more than you will ever know him, and here’s another piece of advice. If I’m catching your drift correctly, don’t hold your breath waiting for me to chew him up and spit him out. You had your chance with him, in fact, you’ve had more than enough chances with him, but you didn’t want him. I do, so don’t wait for me to “hurt” him as you say, because that will never happen, especially now!” Susan nearly yelled.

Elizabeth suddenly got defensive, angry, “Now wait a minute, that’s not what I meant” as she coyly tried to explain what she had told, no what she had warned Susan about.

“Sorry Lizzie, Susan said rich with sarcasm. “Your minutes up, good-bye Elizabeth.

“Excuse me?” Elizabeth asked as if she didn’t know why Susan would act the way that she did all of a sudden.

“You heard me, this is my house, and I’m asking you, no, I’m telling you, it’s time for you to leave - now.” Susan said, now standing up.

“Well then…” Elizabeth started, “Ella, Ella!” Elizabeth began calling to her daughter. “It’s time to go darling.”

“So soon?” Romano asked, disappointed.

Elizabeth nodded her head as Ella came running into her mother’s arms, a thick towel awaiting her.

Susan watched as Rocket got out of the pool, she couldn’t stand the look of displeasure on his face at Ella’s sudden departure. She quickly grabbed a thick towel and held it open in her arms for him to come towards her. She wrapped him lovingly, stealing a quick kiss. “Hi babe” she whispered into his ear. He turned around as she gently dried his shoulders, his back and his chest. He watched as Lizzie dried off Ella, helping her into her jumper.

“Lizzie, it’s still early, are you sure you gals need to be going?” Robert asked, seeing Ella steal a timid glance at him and start to giggle.

“Yes Robert, I’m on in a few hours, and I’d like to get a little rest before then.” Elizabeth said, shooting an angered look to Susan, who now was grinning confidently. Sliding her arms around Rocket’s waist, kissing his neck.

“Ok then” Robert said, as he was bending down, now at Ella’s eye level. “Good-bye Miss Ella, and thank you for coming over to play, I hope you had fun, I know that I did.” he said with a gentle smile.

Now it was Lizzie’s turn to show her confidence. “Go give your uncle Robert a hug good-bye, darling.” she said, not taking her eyes off of Susan.

Robert held out his arms as Ella came running with open arms. He caught her and picked her up, swinging her around a few times.

“Bye bye Uncle Wobert,” Ella said, in the same British accent as Elizabeth.

“Bye bye sweetie, next time you and your mum come over, I’ll teach you how to jump off of the diving board, how does that sound?” he said, looking over at Lizzie for approval. She eagerly nodded and smiled at him.

Robert put Ella down and she ran to her mother.

“Hey sweetie, what about Aunt Suzy?” Rocket questioned.

Susan immediately knelt down and held out her arms. Ella was apprehensive at first and looked up at her mother for approval. Begrudgingly, Elizabeth nodded a yes to her daughter.

Ella really didn’t know Susan as well as she knew Uncle Robert; still, she did as she was asked and apprehensively made her way to Susan’s arms. “Come on sweetie, I won’t bite.” Susan assured her with a smile. And with that, Ella came running. Holding Ella in her arms reminded her of the new life that she and Rocket had created, growing inside of her as she hugged Ella tightly and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Bye sweetie” she said, now letting her go to run back to her mother.

“Let me walk you ladies to your car.” Robert offered.

“Really Robert, that’s really not necessary.” Elizabeth offered.

“I know, I just want to see you and Miss. Ella to your car.” he enthused.

“Well, alright then.” Elizabeth said, keeping her eyes on Susan’s expression. “Good-bye Susan, remember what I said, will you?” Elizabeth said with a wicked, fake grin.

“How could I forget?” Susan said with her own wicked grin.

Romano came over to Susan to give her a quick kiss, knowing that Elizabeth was watching though, Susan held to his neck, making it more passionate than Romano had intended. “Wow!” he whispered to her, “did you miss me that much?” He asked, eyes wide open.

“More than you know, baby, and there’s plenty more where that came from…” as she quickly and playfully nibbled on his earlobe.

Elizabeth couldn’t help but cringe to herself. It was almost a show that Susan was putting on for her. What was she trying to prove? Clearly this wasn’t real, Elizabeth thought. She was sure that Susan was using Robert for something, what, she couldn’t be sure. Was it to hurt her in some way? At least that’s how it felt; it hurt Elizabeth to see Susan and Robert so happy like that. “I should be the one kissing him like that, not her… He wanted me, not her!” was all that Elizabeth could think.

“We are definitely picking this up when I get back.” Robert assured Susan with a whisper.

“I’m counting on that!” Susan yelled, loud enough for Elizabeth to hear.

“Wow Robert, you two are really “hot and heavy” aren’t you?” Elizabeth asked Robert, almost jokingly. She looked over at him, his cheeks slightly red with embarrassment at what Lizzie had just seen, yet grinning happily at the same time.

“Yeah, I guess you could say that, Lizzie. But let me assure you, it’s not all lust. I love that woman, more than any woman I’ve ever known, I’m telling you Lizzie, I’m ready for marriage!” he said, matter of factly.

As Elizabeth buckled Ella into her safety seat, she rolled her eyes at his sudden disclosure. Now turning to face him, she suddenly realized just how handsome he really was. Having gotten a summer tan and shirtless, she couldn’t help but admire his body. She was glad that she had her sunglasses on, so that he couldn’t see her looking at him like that.

“That just seems so sudden, Robert. I mean marriage, that is..”

“Well, I’m sure it seems sudden to you, but I feel as though I’ve known Suz my entire life, and she makes me happy.” Robert said confidently and happily.

She admired his muscular chest, so developed and golden brown, then allowing her eyes to go down his chest towards his abdomen. Again, golden brown and a nicely formed six-pack, again, letting her eyes go further to follow the narrow patch of light hair leading to his…

“Lizzie!” “Are you still with me? I’ve been calling and calling to you…” he said laughing.

“What?” “Uh, yes of course, well yeah, marriage, uh I guess if you’re sure,…” she said, wiping a drop of sweat from her brow. “I’m sorry Robert, I’m afraid my mind is elsewhere, I’ve really got to leave - now.” she said, walking to the drivers side of her sedan.

Robert bent down and poked his head into Ella’s backseat window, “See you soon, Miss. Ella” as he pinched her cheek as she giggled. He shut the door, “See ya Lizzie, thanks for coming by, it was fun!”

“Yes, it was er uh, enlightening!” Elizabeth yelled as she screeched out of his driveway and onto the street.

Robert stood there and watched as they faded into the distance. He couldn’t wait to get back to Susan and her promise of the continuation that she had started before he saw Lizzie and Ella off…..

TBC……